This photo, released on Wednesday by the Yeosu Coast Guard, shows the boat where a Chinese crew member worked illegally.

A Chinese man faces indictment for working as a fisherman in Korea without the appropriate visa, allegedly exploiting the country's visa waiver program intended for Jeju Island.

According to the Coast Guard on Wednesday, investigators apprehended the suspect, who is in his 30s, earlier this month at Yeosu, a port city in South Jeolla Province. He is suspected of violating the Immigration Control Law.

The man reportedly entered the island by taking advantage of the policy that allows citizens of selected countries, including China, to enter and stay in Jeju for tourism purposes without a visa for 30 days.

He is believed to have headed to the mainland by boat, where he was unlawfully hired by a Korean captain. The captain, a Chinese-born immigrant woman, and two others suspected of assisting him in finding the job are also under investigation for their alleged involvement.

A Yeosu Coast Guard official said it would continue to respond sternly to such border control violations, urging members of the public to report violators to the police.